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Waterloo weekend #1 - Young athletes gaining experience for the future

2010-04-24

The 13U Rattlers came into the Ontario Championship ranked 18th out of 35 teams in the province. Day one had our youngest female team pitted against the Durham Attack Black and our girls played to a two set loss (9-25, 18-25)  to the number one seed at the tournament. The second match of day one had our ladies matched up against the Hurricanes White and the Maverick ladies won the match 25-17 and 25-11 over the 32nd seeded team. The Rattlers faced Etobicoke 381 in their third match and won 25-20 and 25-12 over the 25th seed. The last match of day one had the Rattlers facing the number 11 seed Aurora Storm and it was a hard fought match were the Storm prevailed in three sets (25-15, 23-25 and 5-15).

The Rattlers ended the first day of their first Provincial Championship in third place in their pool which placed them in Tier 2 for the final day of competition. These young ladies came out strong on day two and beat the York Spartans (20th seed) in the round of 16 by the scores of 25-12 and 25-18. This win propelled them into the quarterfinals against the Niagara Rapids Blue (19th seed) and the ladies played that team to a 2 sets to 1 victory (27-25, 12-25 and 15-3). The team met a strong team in Oakville Thunder Blue in the semi final and played hard but unfortunately lost 25-19 and 26-24 to the 15th seed.  

Congratulations ladies on a great performance of 4th place in Tier 2 (14th overall) and all the hard work you have put into the season. 

Next up are our 14U Bandits who are the rookies of our male program. This team gave into the Championship ranked 10th out of 22 teams at this age group in Ontario.

The Bandits opened up the tournament with an exciting three set victory over the Predators from Kitchener-Waterloo (25-17, 24-26 and 15-10).  Unfortunately the team was unable to keep the momentum and lost to both Wolfpack from King City (25-20 and 25-22) and the Pakmen from Mississauga (25-13 and 25-8). The boys ended day one in third place for their pool. 

Day two started with a 2 set win over the Breakers (25-15, 25-23) and the boys followed that match with a victory over the Pakmen 212 (27-25, 20-25 and 15-12) but lost a tough three set match to the Stingers Black (21-25, 25-14 and 12-15). The two wins and one lost on day two qualified the Bandits for a round of 16 match against the Predators and they prevailed 25-20 and 25-16. The young Maverick men met the Wolfpack in the quarter final and once again had a close match but lost 25-16 and 28-26. 

The Bandits finished 13th for the Championship but gain invaluable experience for the young volleyball careers. Great work!

The last team to compete at this weekend’s tournament were the 14U Gold diggers who entered the tournament ranked 7th and were out to prove that they have improved individually and as a team since the start of the season.  

The ‘Diggers opened up day one with a 2 and 1 record defeating the DRVC 13U (27-25, 26-24) and the Breakers (25-14, 25-10) their only loss of the day game against the eventual Provincial Champion the Durham Attach Arif by set scores of 18-25 and 16-25. 

Day two of competition had the ‘Diggers in a very tough power pool where they lost to Impact (eventual silver medalist) 13-25 and 16-25 and Forest City Green in a tight three sets 22-25, 25-20 and 14-16. The young ladies were able to regroup and win their last match against the Storm Ice 25-21 and 25-21. Not all was lost as the strong performance on day one guaranteed this young team a spot in Tier 1 for the play offs. I

n the round of 16 match against the Durham Attach Chris the ‘Diggers won 25-19 and 25-23. This victory qualified them for the quarter finals where they faced the Bandits Teal and narrowly lost in three sets 25-17, 20-25 and 10-15.  

The Gold diggers ended the tournament in 5th at Tier 1 quite an accomplishment considering there were 65 teams competing at this age group.

Great work ladies! Hopefully history repeats itself as the last Gold diggers team that finished 5th at 14U Tier 1 went on to win gold the following year at 15U Tier 1. Best of luck at Eastern Canadians.

Thank you to the parents and coaches for all your support and guidance for these young athletes throughout the year.